Beyond the Classroom: Community Programs That Support Multilingual Families
At Van Buren ISD, we know that student success doesn’t start and end with the school bell. For multilingual and migrant families, support outside of the classroom is just as important as what happens inside. Fortunately, our region is home to a variety of community programs and organizations dedicated to helping families thrive—offering everything from legal support and healthcare access to food assistance and cultural advocacy.
Here are some of the outstanding local and statewide programs that go beyond the classroom to empower, protect, and uplift multilingual families.
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🛡️ Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC)
📍 michiganimmigrant.org
MIRC is a legal resource center that provides free and low-cost legal services to immigrants and refugees across Michigan. They assist with immigration status, DACA applications, deportation defense, and more.
Why it matters: Many multilingual families face legal questions or challenges related to immigration. MIRC helps ensure families are protected and informed.
⚖️ Farmworker Legal Services (FLS)
📍 farmworkerlaw.org
FLS offers free legal help to migrant and seasonal farmworkers across the state. Their team assists with housing issues, wage theft, discrimination, and workplace safety.
Why it matters: Many of our students come from hardworking migrant families who need legal support to ensure fair treatment and safety on the job.
🧑🤝🧑 El Concilio of Kalamazoo
📍 elconciliokzoo.org
El Concilio supports Latino and Hispanic communities in southwest Michigan through bilingual early childhood education, family support programs, youth leadership, and cultural events.
Why it matters: This trusted organization connects families to critical services while preserving and celebrating their cultural identity.
🏥 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
📍 michigan.gov/mdhhs
MDHHS offers programs for Medicaid, SNAP (Bridge Cards), childcare assistance, mental health services, and more—with multilingual application options.
Why it matters: Access to healthcare, food, and mental wellness resources is essential to student learning and family stability.
🥫 Feeding America West Michigan – Find Food Near You
📍 feedwm.org/findfood
This website helps families find nearby food pantries, mobile food trucks, and meal services. Available in multiple languages.
Why it matters: Hunger can be a major barrier to learning. Ensuring families have access to healthy food supports physical and academic growth.
🧡 Hispanic Center of West Michigan
📍 hispanic-center.org
The Hispanic Center offers interpretation and translation services, employment support, youth education programs, and more in Grand Rapids and beyond.
Why it matters: This organization provides wraparound services that empower families to succeed in education, employment, and civic life.
🌎 Southwest Michigan Migrant Resource Council (SWMMRC)
📍 SWMMRC on Facebook
SWMMRC connects migrant and seasonal farmworker families to essential services like transportation, healthcare, and educational support throughout Southwest Michigan.
Why it matters: With deep ties to our region’s migrant community, SWMMRC plays a critical role in connecting families with the help they need to navigate new environments.
🎓 Telamon Corporation – Michigan Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
📍 telamon.org
Telamon provides early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Why it matters: Their programs help children get a strong start in school while supporting working families in agriculture.
📚 Michigan Department of Education – Office of Migrant Education
📍 michigan.gov/mde
This office coordinates supplemental academic services and educational support for migrant students and families across the state.
Why it matters: They help ensure educational equity and continuity, even when families move frequently for work.
🏡 Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
Local agencies (such as Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency) provide utility assistance, housing support, emergency aid, and more.
Why it matters: CAAs are vital for families facing economic hardship and can connect them to a wide network of services.
📖 Local Libraries
Public libraries often offer ESL classes, bilingual storytimes, access to computers, and help navigating community services.
Why it matters: Libraries are trusted and welcoming spaces where families can grow their literacy and digital skills.
💬 Final Thoughts
When schools and community organizations work together, we create a powerful safety net for multilingual families. These partnerships ensure that students show up to class ready to learn—not burdened by hunger, legal fear, or lack of access to healthcare.
At Van Buren ISD, we’re proud to collaborate with these incredible organizations. Together, we’re making sure that every child—and every family—has the tools they need to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.
Need help connecting with one of these services?
Reach out to our migrant or multilingual team—we’re here to help bridge the gap between families and the resources they deserve.
